Master
Guitar

Video Requirements

Share your un-edited video recording links in the portfolio. Videos should be uploaded to your YouTube channel ( if you don’t have one, make one). Set your videos to ‘unlisted’ so only you and we can see them. IMPORTANT: DO NOT send the actual video(s): ONLY LINKS to the video(s)
 

• The candidate presents him/herself in English at the start of the video
• Then show yourself, playing the guitar for 10-15 minutes
• Include 3 Standards from the 'Great American Songbook' with a rhythm section (bass & drums). Optionally, some tunes can also be performed in a duo setting or another instrument can be added to the band
• The material can be found in the usual Fake- and Real Books. Compositions could also be Originals/ Jazz-classics from iconic Jazz musicians like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis etc... He/she should play the melody and improvise on the form as well as comp for a bass solo
• Include one performance of a solo guitar arrangement
• Include one performance of an original composition by the candidate
• The video's sound quality should be decent and all the instruments should be audible in a reasonable sound quality. The visual quality should be on the same level and the applicant should be very clearly visible all the time, without hiding behind a music stand or other band members. We require a front view of the candidate and want to see the whole player, including his hands and face!

If you have a video of your Bachelor Final Exam, please share that with us as well as an additional video link.

“Live” Audition

Depending on your level, you will be invited for an online meeting with the teachers for an online “live” audition. For the “live” audition, prepare the following:

Jazz Standards

Performing 2 Standards from the 'Great American Songbook' and one original composition by the applicant with a rhythm section (bass & drums) or a duo partner.

The material can be found in the usual Fake- and Real Books, and could also include originals/ Jazz-classics from iconic Jazz musicians like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis or contemporary Jazz masters. The jury will decide if all of them will be played but the applicant can choose which should be his/her first tune.

Amplifiers and the rhythm section are provided by the conservatory, but the candidate can also bring his own band or duo partner

The applicant should play the tunes by head but bring some copies of the lead sheets for the rhythm section and the jury members. He/she should play the melody and improvise on the form as well as show his comping and interactive musical abilities.

Concerning the candidate's original composition or less known or not very common contemporary compositions, we ask to consider that, if a rhythm section from the conservatory is used, the material has to be sight read and performed by students.

Solo Performance

The candidate should perform one song in a solo format. Could be an original composition, standard or an original written by a jazz great.

It is important that the solo arrangement has been elaborated by the applicant, transcriptions or arrangements from other artist will not be accepted.

Sight Reading

Sight reading on an intermediate to advanced level will be tested. The applicant should be able to prima vista read single note lines, written out chord voicings and chord symbols with extensions and connect these fluently, as well as to improvise on an unknown composition of advanced level.

Showing general musical skills and musicality

Eventually the jury will also test general musical skills, like repeating musical phrases on the instrument, the ability to interact in a duo setting (2 guitars) and ask questions about the candidate`s musical background.

The “live” audition should take approximately 20 – 30 minutes.

Master Interview

Finally, after passing the live audition, you will be invited for an interview with the jazz master coordinator to discuss your study and research plans.

The master interview should take approximately 45 – 60 minutes.